Remove Edge associations
- Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
- Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
- Impact: High
System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High
This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.
- Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
- 3 scripts
- No subcategories
- Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
- Fully reversible
You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.
The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.
Overview
This category removes Microsoft Edge browser associations from your Windows system, enhancing privacy and system control.
These associations often remain after uninstalling Edge, potentially leading to unexpected behaviors and privacy concerns 1.
Removing these associations will:
- Preventi Edge from automatically handling various file types and web protocols
- Reduce potential data collection and tracking via Microsoft Edge
- Eliminate leftover settings that may cause system instability after uninstalling Edge 1
- Potentially improve system performance by removing unnecessary file and protocol handlers
This category is recommended if you've decided not to use Edge or have uninstalled it. This gives you full control over which applications handle your files and web protocols.
This will change how your system handles various file types and web protocols. Remember to set up an alternative browser.
Technical Details
This category addresses associations found under specific registry keys:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Microsoft Edge\Capabilities\FileAssociations
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Microsoft Edge\Capabilities\URLAssociations
The scripts remove associations for file types (like .htm, .html, .pdf, .svg), and protocols such as (http, https, and ftp).
This category does not clear associations under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet
registry key.
Because default installer already clears these keys.
This script should only be used by advanced users.
This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.
Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.
Sources
- [BUG]: can't sign in again · Issue #64 · undergroundwires/privacy.sexy. (2024).
Original: https://github.com/undergroundwires/privacy.sexy/issues/64
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240803173827/https://github.com/undergroundwires/privacy.sexy/issues/64 - Set Microsoft Edge as the default browser on Windows and macOS. Microsoft Learn. (2023).
Original: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/edge-default-browser
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20231001221635/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/edge-default-browser
Apply Now
Choose one of two ways to apply:
Download script
Download and run the script directly- No app needed
- Offline usage
- Easy-to-apply
- Free
- Open-source
Maximum — Strongest Possible Privacy (Military-Grade)
- Military-grade privacy protection
- Major system impact
- Consider having system restore point.
Read more about Maximum and other protection levels
Help
How to apply or restore "Remove Edge associations" using script
- ≈ 2 min to complete
- Tools: Web Browser
- Difficulty: Simple
- ≈ 5 instructions
- 1
Download
Download the script file by clicking on thebutton above.
Use button above to restore changes. - 2
Keep the file
If warned by your browser, keep the file. - 3
Open
Open the downloaded file. - 4
Exit
Once it's done, press any key to exit the window. - 5
Restart
Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.
Apply with privacy.sexy
Guided, automated application with safety checks- Recommended for most users
- Includes safety checks
- Shows the code
- Free
- Open-source
- Popular
- Offline/Online usage
Help
How to apply or restore "Remove Edge associations" using privacy.sexy
- ≈ 3 min to complete
- Tools: privacy.sexy
- Difficulty: Simple
- ≈ 4 instructions
- 2
Choose script
- Search for the category name: Remove Edge associations
- Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
- 3
Run
Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.
Explore This Guide
- 3 Privacy settings
Choose what to protect based on your needs: Click any option to learn more about what it does. Each change can be applied and reversed individually.
Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.
Remove Edge application selection associations
This script prevents Microsoft Edge from being listed as a default program for various file types and web links in Windows, giving you control over which programs open your files and enhancing your privacy. It improves privacy by preventing Edge from appearing as an option when selecting programs to open certain files or web links. This increases user control and reduces data collection and tracking via Microsoft Edge. If you've uninstalled Edge, this script stabilizes your system by removing le...
Remove Edge Open With associations
This script removes Microsoft Edge associations from the Open With context menu for various file types. It enhances privacy by reducing Microsoft Edge's integration with the operating system. This limits data collection opportunities during file interactions. It also enhances system stability by removing leftover Edge associations after uninstalling the browser. It may improve system performance by simplifying the Open With menu. Removing these associations gives you control over which a...
Remove Edge user associations
This script removes user-chosen Microsoft Edge associations for specific file types and web links. Even if a user does not explicitly choose Edge as the default browser, it is chosen by default. Edge associations often remain after uninstalling the browser. This can affect privacy and system performance. Removing these associations will: Enhance privacy by reducing Microsoft Edge's presence in your system • Improve system stability, especially if Edge is uninstalled • Boost performance by elimin...
Similar Guides
Wider Goal
Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.
These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.
- Remove Edge
- Remove bloatware
This category automates the uninstallation of Microsoft Edge (also known as "Chromium Edge" or "New Edge"), the web browser that comes pre-installed with many vers...
Remove bloatware — This system calibration provides an easy-to-follow breakdown of how. Besides that, this documentation offers practical insights on the procedure...
Same Goal
Other guides in Remove EdgeSee settings that are in the same category as this guide.
Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
About the Creators
These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:
Reviewed By
This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:Expert review by undergroundwires
- Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
- Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
Public review by large community
- Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
- Millions of end-users tested across different environments
History
We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.